Why fundraising is essential for cheerleading
Cheerleading is an excellent team sport that fosters camaraderie, but it can come with some hefty financial challenges.
Common financial challenges cheerleading teams face
- High costs of uniforms and accessories: Cheerleading uniforms, shoes, pom-poms, and other accessories are expensive. These items are essential for cheerleaders to look and perform their best.
- Travel expenses: Competing in local, regional, and national events means a lot of traveling. Costs for transportation, hotels, and meals can accumulate fast.
- Coaching and training fees: High-quality coaching and attending cheer camps are crucial for skill development but can be costly.
- Competition fees: Entering various competitions requires paying entry fees, which can be a significant expense.
Benefits of fundraising for cheerleading teams
Below are some of the numerous benefits effective fundraising has for your cheerleading team.
- Inclusivity: Ensures all team members can participate, regardless of their financial background.
- Quality training: Helps maintain high standards of training and performance.
- Team bonding: Boosts team unity and garners community support.
- Skill development: Provides opportunities for team members to develop organizational and leadership skills.
Top cheerleading fundraising ideas
1. Community and peer engagement activities
- Car wash and dog wash events: Organize regular car and dog wash events in busy areas, like a school parking lot. Get the whole cheerleading team and their families involved. Promote these events on social media and with local ads to draw in more people. A car wash fundraiser is a fun way to engage with the community, and don’t forget to use plenty of sponges.
- Spirit nights: Team up with local eateries to host fundraising nights. Spread the word through school channels and social media. Add performances or mini cheer clinics during the event to attract more attendees. These events can help boost team spirit and community involvement.
- Pep rally: Host a pep rally before major sporting events to build excitement and collect donations.
- GoFundMe fundraiser: Start a GoFundMe to easily supplement any of the cheer fundraising ideas mentioned in this article. From hosting a cheer clinic to organizing a pancake breakfast, your cheerleading team can pair these fundraising activities with a GoFundMe fundraiser to increase online donations. Add the GoFundMe link or QR code to your team’s website, at the check-in, and on the final performance day to boost visibility and momentum. Additionally, share compelling stories and goals to engage donors. Use photos and videos to showcase the team’s journey and needs. Provide regular updates and thank-you messages to keep donors interested.
- Email and social media: Use email and social media to supplement your fundraising efforts. Build a comprehensive email list of potential donors. Send regular updates, fundraising appeals, and success stories. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach a wider audience. Create engaging content such as challenges, behind-the-scenes videos, and live updates.
3. Sales-based fundraisers
- Food sales: Sell popular items like popcorn, cookie dough, candy bars, and gourmet snacks. Set up booths at school events and local fairs. Make online ordering available for added convenience. A cookie dough fundraiser can be particularly successful.
- Branded merchandise: Create and sell items like DIY T-shirts, mugs, and water bottles with your team’s logo. Use print-on-demand services to keep costs low and design unique, seasonal items to boost sales. Consider setting up an online store for wider reach.
- Discount cards and coupons: Partner with local businesses to create discount cards and coupons that supporters can purchase. This is an easy fundraising method that also benefits the community.
4. Educational and skill-based fundraisers
- Cheer clinics: Host training sessions for younger cheer enthusiasts. Offer workshops on tumbling, stunts, and choreography. Charge participation fees and provide certificates or memorabilia.
- Hair and makeup lessons: Utilize the expertise of team members to teach hair and makeup techniques for performances. Hold workshops and individual sessions, including tips on maintaining a professional look during competitions.
- Gift wrapping services: Offer gift wrapping services during the holiday season. This can be done at local malls or school events, providing a convenient service for community members.
5. Interactive and event-based fundraisers
- Scavenger hunts: Organize themed scavenger hunts around the school or community. Charge entry fees and provide prizes for winners. Promote the event through local media and social platforms.
- Silent auctions and raffles: Collect donations from local businesses and community members. Offer enticing prizes like gift cards, experiences, and cheer gear. Host both online and in-person events to maximize participation.
- Bake sales: Organize bake sales with a variety of goodies. Encourage team members and family members to bake treats and set up booths at local events or outside local businesses.
- Fashion shows: Host a fashion show featuring the latest cheerleading gear and spirit wear. Charge an entrance fee and sell raffle tickets for additional fundraising.
- Movie nights: Set up a movie night at a high school gym or a local venue. Charge a small fee for entry and sell refreshments like popcorn and candy bars.
- Pancake breakfasts: Organize a pancake breakfast at a local restaurant or community center. Charge an entrance fee and offer additional fundraising products like raffle tickets or spirit wear.
- A-thons: Host walk-a-thons, dance-a-thons, or cheer-a-thons where participants get sponsorships for each lap or dance they complete.
Start fundraising for your cheerleading team today
Fundraising is crucial for the success of your cheerleading team. It not only helps cover the costs of uniforms, travel, and competitions but also brings the team and community closer together. Whether through sponsorship, school fundraising events, or selling candygrams, there are numerous ways to ensure your fundraising success. With the right fundraising program and a well-thought-out template, your cheerleading team can raise a lot of money and achieve the best cheerleading experiences possible. Moreover, by involving local businesses, family members, and community members, you can work together to reach your fundraising goals and ensure the continued success of your cheerleading squad. Get started with these fun and effective cheer fundraising ideas, and watch your cheer team reach new heights.